Scientists at the Meshalkin National Medical Research Center have created the world's first ultra-lightweight carbide composite with a permeable porous structure. It can replace traditional metals for prosthetics.
It can become an alternative to titanium in oncological bone prosthetics due to its chemical purity and outstanding MRI compatibility characteristics.
For a prosthesis to take root, the body must not reject the implant. Then the bone will grow through it. If this cannot be achieved, then the bone begins to break down. Scientists around the world have been working on solving this problem, trying to create ultra-porous materials.
The new composite, created at the Meshalkin NMRC, consists of pure boron carbide — one of the most chemically inert and durable compounds. This material is not susceptible to corrosion, does not dissolve in acids and is safe for the body, and does not create interference during MRI.
The technology developed by Russian scientists allows the manufacture of products of the desired shape with a shrinkage of no more than 2%. The ceramics known in the world have a shrinkage of up to 40%. That is why their use in medicine is limited.
We are the first in the world to comprehensively solve all these problems.
As part of the study, the Meshalkin NMRC conducted the first experiments on animals. The results showed no negative reactions at the implantation site, as well as pronounced integration of the composite into the bone and regeneration of bone tissue.
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